Aoyama Killer Street

by Rebekah ChanThere are several theories as to how ‘Killer Street’ got its name. Some say that it was a name coined by designer Junko Koshino when referring to the ‘killer’ fashions in the stores and on the people that are found in this section of Gaien Nishi-dori. Other theories revolve around high mortality rates due to sports cars and macho drivers. Regardless of how Killer Street got its name, this part of town does not disappoint with its abundance of designer buildings and stylish stores. Some Killer Street landmarks include Le Sang des Poetes café, Aoyama Qiz building and the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, making Killer Street the perfect mix of art, fashion and design.

On Sundays

A few steps down the street from Shelf lies the iconic Watari Museum of Contemporary Art (Watari-um). Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta in 1990, this space houses everything you need for inspiration. In addition to the changing exhibitions by international artists, On Sundays Museum Shop and Café is the perfect place to pop in for a latte and purchase designer home accessories. Inside you’ll find items like Andy Warhol watches, pop art post cards, and even stylish humidifiers. Downstairs there is a wide selection of books on art, architecture and design, and if you have more time, head upstairs to check out the current exhibition.

Shelf

On the west side of Killer Street, just north the Watari Museum, you will find Shelf, tucked away in small cul-de-sac. This is a room-size foreign book store specializing in photography, with dozens of discounted books enticing potential customers from outside the store. Soft music plays in the background as you indulge in images of old Paris by Robert Doisneau or the conceptual portraits of Cindy Sherman. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Shelf can place a special order for you. Stop by for a visual journey to anywhere and any era you want.

Lloyd’s Antiques Aoyama

Continue walking down the street from Watari-um toward Aoyama-dori and on your right you will find Lloyd’s Antiques. With six locations in Tokyo, Lloyd’s Antiques has been around since 1988 with its eclectic mix of antique meets chic furniture. But don’t be fooled, this philosophy is no gimmick, as Lloyd’s president Takuhei Kubo is a serious antiques connoisseur himself. My favorite item inside was an antique cinema lamp from the 1950s that sold for ¥300,000. To begin your daydream of old-style glamour, visit Lloyd’s Antiques for one-of-a-kind pieces of history.